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March 4, 2020

Event aims to help veteran entrepreneurs

PHOTO | Pixabay.com
By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

Many veterans have left military life behind and gone on to launch successful business careers and successful companies throughout Connecticut.

The state Department of Economic & Community Development estimates that nearly 10 percent of all businesses in Connecticut are owned by veterans. After leaving the military, they have launched a variety of ventures, from manufacturing to retail. 

To help them be successful, New Haven SCORE is planning a special Veteran Owned Business Networking Event this spring. SCORE is a nonprofit group that helps businesses start, grow and succeed.

Bharat Manghnani, an event planner and business mentor with SCORE, said it is the first of what he hopes will become an annual event.

“This has never been done before. It will be helpful for people starting a business and with existing businesses,” Manghnani said. “If it is successful and the veterans are happy with it, we would like to do this every year.”

The free event will take place on Monday, May 18 from 8 a.m. to noon at Gateway Community College, 20 Church St., New Haven, in the Community Room. Initially planned for April 10, it has been postponed so it won’t conflict with Good Friday.

There will be speakers, booths and vendors, including representatives from government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Small Business Administration. 

“Veterans who participate will have a chance to meet with government agencies for one-on-one meetings,” Manghnani said.

He wants it to be similar to the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce’s annual Big Connect exposition, where attendees can mingle, network and learn about what various exhibitors have to offer.

“So many agencies have special programs to help veterans — and veterans will be able to meet everyone all under one roof,” Manghnani said.

Veterans can learn more about an array of programs which can help them. For example, certified veteran-owned businesses are eligible for pricing preferences when competing for state contracts. Another program offers tax incentives to eligible veterans who want to start a farming business.

For more information, visit https://newhaven.score.org. To register for the event click here. 

Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com.

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